New boats: CSB Hunstman Explorer Hardtop

The CSB Huntsman Explorer is a New Zealand-made fibreglass fishing boat new to Australia.

"The best quality finish we have seen..." is how Nitro Marine described the CSB Hunstman Explorer Hardtop.

The CSB Huntsman Explorer was officially launched in Australia by Southport-based boat dealership Nitro Marine at the 2015 Sanctuary Cove boat show

One of 20 Nitro Marine boats to go on display at the boat show, the CSB Huntsman Explorer is a stylish 7m fibreglass all-rounder. It is the flagship vessel of the CSB Huntsman boats range and represents the first hardtop stocked by Nitro Marine.

According to dealer principal Michael Waugh, the New Zealand beauty boats have "… the best quality finish we have seen."

The CSB Huntsman Explorer sees a functional hardtop added to Huntsman’s popular Crusader hull, meaning this combo offers a proven design (with a five year structural hull warranty), plus an extremely versatile layout and great performance.

The curved, moulded hardtop includes plenty of head height, plus moulded speaker boxes and light fittings. An overhead tow hook also comes standard and points to this boat’s family-friendly appeal.

The hardtop is also unusual in that it features an opening centre screen for bow access, via moulded steps in the lockable cabin door. Side windows also slide for cross-flow ventilation.

The cabin is set up to offer easy overnighting, with a bunk infill and space for a Porta Potti beneath the centre vee. A 40lt fresh water tank is hooked up to a shower at the stern.

The walkthrough transom includes a gate to port, next to a removable ski pole which can be swapped with a baitboard when it’s time to fish.

In the same vein, removable tubs under the rear bench seat can hold towels and snacks, or live bait, depending on your preference.

Ditto for the central locker; toss in water skis or a wahoo – it’s your call.

The stock boat on show from Nitro Marine at SCIBS has been fitted with an electric anchor winch and a Simrad NSS-7 Touchscreen at the helm, which links to a SmartCraft VesselView 7 screen for the 225hp Mercury Verado outboard.